Week 9 Bike - 12 mi bike + 3 mi run + 12 mi bike

Today I finished the hardest workout I've ever done. We started at Lomas Santa Fe by the ocean and rode through Rancho Santa Fe to Lake Hodges. It was pretty scary in some spots as the road is curvy with no bike lane. It wasn't a bad ride until I rounded a corner about 9-10 miles in and saw a humongous hill in front of me. It brought back memories of my terror ride a few weeks ago. Going uphill I just kept counting pedal rotations - 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 - I must have counted to a million before I got to the top of the hill. We turned a bit past the dam into a park at Lake Hodges and after a brief water and bathroom break started out on the 3 mile trail run. The run was uneven with lots of hills and rocks. And it was warm today - I stripped off just about every layer I had on during the run. Thankfully I had put on a tank top under my shirt for added warmth from the wind, so I could strip down to that. Most of the team were down to their sports bras (the women, I mean). Even thought I was one of the last bikers in, I was not the last runner out, so I felt pretty good about that. After finishing the run, I took a break for peanut butter crackers, a Power Bar gel and lots of water. Then, it was time to get dressed and start back another 12 miles on the bike. Even though the hill down was really steep, I didn't have to repeat my "I will not die" mantra. I did say "Oh my God" a few times, but that was about it. The hills that didn't seem so bad on the way out, were killers on the way back! And I am definitely feeling the workout already.

After the run, my coach asked how I was feeling. I said that I thought the triathlon was going to be harder than I had realized (with a smile of course). He gave me a hug and said that this ride and this run are harder than anything on the triathlon course. He added that by the time he's done with me that the triathlon will seem like cake. We'll see...

So after the 3 1/2 hours workout today I am definitely feeling better on my bike. I also am getting to know my teammates better and starting to feel part of a team. Thursday is the re-commitment date - by then I need to sign a paper that says that I am committed to this program and my fundraising. I think I'm going to sign it :)